Dem senators claim majority in new session

ALBANY — State Senate Democrats said Tuesday they’ve unanimously chosen Sen. Malcolm Smith to lead their historic majority.

After a closed-door conference Tuesday night, Smith said he is certain he has the support to lead the 32-30 Democratic majority that won in the Nov. 4 election, securing the party’s control of the Senate for the first time in 43 years.

It won’t be official until Wednesday, when senators vote for their leader as the 2009 legislative session opens.